CPI(M) leader K.K Shailaja confident of winning from Peravoor, considered a Congress bastion

Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate K.K. Shailaja is confident about wresting the Peravoor assembly segment in Kerala from the Congress banking on a mix of development promises, past administrative experience and what she termed as “growing dissatisfaction” over the lack of major initiatives in the constituency in the past 15 years.

Ms. Shailaja, who represented Peravoor in 2006, told The Hindu that the constituency, traditionally considered a Congress bastion, in Kannur district had undergone political shifts after delimitation, even as UDF candidate and KPCC president Sunny Joseph retained the seat in the last three elections.

“The UDF may have had an upper hand post-delimitation, but their victories were by narrow margins — once by around 6,000 votes and in other instances by 3,400 or less. That itself shows the political mood is not one-sided,” she added.

‘Current climate favours LDF’

She attributed previous defeats partly to organisational weakness in certain pockets and failure to fully mobilise committed votes, but maintained that the current political climate favours the LDF. Despite three consecutive terms under the UDF, the constituency in northern Kerala saw no major development and that has led to growing resentment, she said.

Ms. Shailaja, a Central Committee member of the CPI(M), contested the UDF’s development narrative, particularly on infrastructure projects. She said foundational work for the Hill Highway project in the region was undertaken during her earlier tenure as MLA, including the most difficult phase of alignment and land acquisition, after extensive consultation with local residents.

“The stretch between Ulikal and Vallithode was completed then. Later, the project stalled under the UDF and it was only after LDF came to power that it was included under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) project and completed,” the former State Health Minister said. She rejected claims that delays were caused by LDF intervention, maintaining that the alignment had already been finalised earlier.

Responding to claims about the development of a revenue tower and administrative infrastructure, she said the demand for a new civil station was first raised during her tenure and its later realisation was part of a broader government policy rather an individual achievement.

Tourism potential untapped

Highlighting Peravoor’s tourism potential, Ms. Shailaja said a mega tourism project, including a “living museum” along the banks of Pazhassi catchment was conceptualised during her earlier tenure. But it was not pursued by the subsequent representative. She pointed to ongoing developments such as Eco-Planet project in her present constituency Mattannur, where the first phase has been completed.

She also outlined plans for pilgrimage and eco-tourism. At Kottiyoor temple, often referred to as Dakshina Kashi, she said a comprehensive masterplan would be implemented in consultation with the Devaswom Board to improve facilities for pilgrims. Additionally, she identified Kurishumala as a site with potential for pilgrimage tourism, stressing the need for coordinated planning among stakeholders.

Emphasising Peravoor’s sports legacy, particularly as the native place of late volleyball player Jimmy George, Ms. Shailaja said there was an urgent need for a modern sports complex. She recalled allocating funds during her earlier tenure to improve local playgrounds and said a full-fledged facility would help nurture talent, especially among tribal youth in areas like Aralam.

Drawing on her experience as MLA of Mattannur, she cited the utilisation of KIIFB funds for building an indoor stadium, swimming pool, and volleyball courts. A similar comprehensive sports infrastructure will be developed in Peravoor if elected, she said.

On her time as Health Minister

Referring to her tenure as Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic and Nipah outbreaks, Ms. Shailaja said crises had been converted into opportunities for public service. “The work done during those difficult times was recognised globally, though some viewed it through a political lens,” she said.

On her defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Vadakara seat, she said parliamentary contests should not be compared with Assembly elections. “There was a perception about a possible change of government at the Centre then. This [election] is different. People will evaluate State-level governance and local development,” she said and added that the LDF’s return to power in 2021 reflected public approval of its handling of crises and governance while expressing hope that a similar mandate would be given now.

Addressing the persistent human-animal conflict, Ms. Shailaja said initial steps such as proposing elephant-proof walls in Aralam were taken during her tenure and later expanded measures like hanging fences and bio-fencing under the LDF government.

“This is not an issue confined to one region; it is a global challenge driven by ecological changes and human expansion,” she said, stressing that implementing scientific solutions and protecting human life remained a priority.

She also highlighted the potential of Aralam Farm and surrounding areas for agriculture and medicinal plant cultivation, suggesting integration with research and export initiatives linked to the International Research Institute of Ayurveda.

Published – March 26, 2026 04:46 pm IST